Conservation Showcase: Australian 1996 $40

Gold and silver aren’t the only modern coins susceptible to the scourge of hazing. Even coins made of more unusual metals can develop hazing residues that can obscure the surfaces affecting the coin’s beauty, value, and long-term stability.

This 1996 Australian $40 is made of .9995 fine palladium. Palladium has properties similar to platinum and is often used in similar industrial applications. This example of a palladium coin was submitted to NCS to have the hazy residues removed prior to NGC certification so that it may look at its best at the time of grading. Using the NCS modern tier this coin was able to grade very well with NGC for the low fee of $22.50 that includes both conservation and grading.